If you’re exposed to a blood agent, immediately don (put on) a protective mask. Speed is essential! Blood agents act so rapidly that within seconds, the effects of exposure can make it impossible for individuals to don their own mask. If this happens, the nearest person should help those who can’t don their mask. Medical personnel should administer medications. Choking Agents In low concentration, choking agents produce an action  on  the  respiratory  system  that  results  in  the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Accumulation of fluid in the lungs can cause death. High concentrations produce  death  for  the  same  reason,  but  the  upper respiratory tract may be involved as well. Exposure to choking agents may produce immediate dryness of the throat, coughing, choking, tightness across the chest, headache, nausea, and at times, irritated and watery eyes. However, symptoms are usually delayed, and it’s possible that no immediate symptoms will appear when exposed to a fatal dose. Even a mild exposure to a choking agent that is accompanied by immediate symptoms may cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs within 2 to 24 hours after exposure. Shallow and rapid breathing, a hacking and painful cough, frothy saliva, and an ashen gray color of the skin indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs. After exposure to a high dose of a choking agent, it’s important to begin medical treatment quickly to prevent  accumulation  of  fluid  in  the  lungs.  It’s important to keep the victim at rest and warm. Cough suppressant and pain relievers can be given as long as the doses don’t interfere with respiratory functions. Riot Control Agents (RCAs) RCAs  are  classified  as  either  tear  agents  or vomiting  agents  and  are  characterized  by  very  low toxicity and brief action. They are used to produce temporary  misery  and  harassment.  Most  personnel exposed to RCAs don’t require medical attention and casualties are rare. Tear agents act rapidly on nerve ends in  the  cornea  and  mucous  membranes  of  the  eye. Vomiting  agents  cause  local  inflammation  of  the respiratory tract, sinuses, and eyes. The symptoms of exposure to RCAs are shown in the following chart. First  aid  for  personnel  exposed  to  tear  agents includes providing a supply of fresh air as soon as possible and changing exposed clothing. If symptoms 13-5 Student Notes: SYMPTOMS OF TEAR AGENTS SYMPTOMS OF VOMITING AGENTS Violent burning sensation of the eyes Reddening of the eyelids Uncontrollable winking Excessive tearing Intolerance to light Burning sensation of the throat, with developing pain and a sensation of choking Sneezing Nausea Diarrhea Headache Burning sensation of the skin Irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose Runny nose, sneezing, and coughing Headache Tightness and pain in the chest Nausea and vomiting